Syncline 2007 Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge

The Syncline 2007 Pinot Noir Celilo Vineyard (13.8%) is a clear standout amongst the few producers who craft pinot noir from Washington grown fruit. I've sampled a variety of Washington pinot noirs these last few years and have found none that have met the quality bar, at least according to my subjective palate.

However, this Columbia Gorge wine offers an intriguing taste profile due to its old vine fruit, sourced from the Celilo Vineyard, which was planted in 1972. The Syncline is a very drinkable wine. Even still, it might disappoint the diehard Oregon pinot noir drinker, as it did me during the first glass. It wasn't until my wife reminded me of the merits of adjusting one's frame of reference that I started to appreciate this wine.

In the glass, the Syncline pinot noir was a deep ruby red, with red berry fruit aromas which become fuller in the mouth. Jammy might be the wrong description, but there was something rich about this pinot noir that wasn't due to it being over-ripe. I would have liked a bit more acid to balance this richness.

We paired this Washington wine with grilled beef kabobs that included green, yellow and orange bell peppers and white onions. A plate of thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes dressed in olive oil, salt, and basil and rice pilaf completed our meal. Again, the Syncline 2007 Pinot Noir Celilo Vineyard offered a good accompaniment, but at $28, I am not inclined to purchase another bottle.